News

Very many congratulations to Laura Cooper of Shipton under Wychwood, who completed all the required work for level 5 with her first quarter inside to Grandsire Doubles at Longcot on Friday 15 Nov. Laura is the first Oxon ringing school alumna to achieve LTR L5. This was followed by a successful quarter inside to Plain Bob Major on Saturday 16 Nov!

The ODG runs a one day course, at different ability levels every year.  This year I secured a place on the Advanced Surprise Major course.

Prior to the course a questionnaire is sent indicating what methods you are interested in ringing, and your objectives so that appropriate support and planning can be organised. I chose Bristol and London Surprise Major.

The venue this year (and most years) is the Shiplake ringing centre near Henley, a good 8 with sound control and additional facilities nearby.  There were 6 participants and we gathered for a short tutorial at 10 am, covering the principles of the chosen methods, Bristol the most popular, with Cornwall and London included, run by experienced tutors Patricia and Robert Newton.

At tea and biscuits the helpers arrived and ringing started at 11 a.m. Patricia carefully placed ringers for the practices with helpers, and each of us had plenty of supported ringing in our chosen methods, until an excellent lunch at a local pub.

More supported ringing in the afternoon, with progression with touches and some splicing for those who wanted to try this, and it was clear that all the participants were gaining confidence and making progress. A break for Tea and 4 and more ringing followed until 6.

I would highly recommend this course to others, and even though it is based some distance away the support and amount of ringing made the journey worthwhile.  The course was followed up with a request for feedback, and as a result of this Robert kindly organised a successful QP of Bristol for me recently.

My sincere thanks to Patricia and Robert for running this excellent day, and all of the helpers from far and wide who gave up their Saturday to help us all progress.

Chris Seers, Shipton under Wychwood

Shipton ringers and friends gathered on 22nd September to celebrate some significant birthdays. Joy Brooks was 80, and Jo Cook and Alison Minson in their 90’s on 24th all Long serving and valued members of Shipton ringers.

The method of choice, Grandsire Triples which is Jo’s favourite. After an early false start, off we went again, with another trip, did we have enough time to go again? So off we went with some decent ringing. After some time I glanced at the clock and noted 5.35 another 20 or so minutes to go, then later the clock again said 5.35, odd I thought I am sure we are nearly there, just keep going! That’s all called and the clock had stood still, it had been wound earlier in the day, giving the birthday celebrants an extra 20 minutes perhaps? We finished by enjoying tea with Joy’s delicious cake.

Congratulations also to Christine Stevens, her first quarter of Grandsire inside.   Bellboard

A late post for the ringing at Chadlington to mark DDay 80th anniversary.

Bellboard

Congratulations to thirteen year old Laura of Shipton under Wychwood on ringing her first quarter peal inside which also completes LTR level 4 – a great achievement. Bellboard

At the recent branch practice at Burford Nigel Harrison was presented with his certificate for services to the Guild.

As reported in the Guild AGM minutes Nigel has been elected to Distinguished Membership  in recognition of his services to the Guild. Our ringing master, David Salter, congratulated Nigel and awarded him with the certificate, all present adding their congratulations. The award was made in recognition of long service to both the Guild and the Burford Benefice. He has been tower captain at Burford for over 25 years. He has also been Guild secretary, deputy and branch ringing master for Chipping Norton branch. He has also regularly assisted with the Steeple Aston and Radley courses.

Click here for the minutes.

Now available on newsletter page.

CN Branch AGM to be held at Hook Norton on 2 March 2024.
Approx times will be 
14.30 - Ringing
15.30 - Service
16.00 - Tea
16.30 - Meeting
Agenda here

See pictures on news page.

Congratulations to Laura who has rapidly followed her first QP with her first away from cover ringing the treble to Grandsire doubles. Bellboard.

Congratulations to Tracey Cooper for this great achievement, with 35 of them in 2023. The final quarter at her home tower Shipton under Wychwood with local ringers and friends, on 22nd December.

These have included 3 Quarters of Grandsire Triples, learning Treble Bob, 2 Quarters, a birthday quarter, and Laura’s recent first quarter. In addition Tracey has helped out on the Bradfield ringing weekend and numerous ODG training days. I am sure she would like to thank all the ringers and friends who helped her achieve this impressive total, Well done Tracey!

Congratulations to Shipton under Wychwood ringer Laura Cooper aged 12 on her first Quarter Peal on the Tenor at Asthall.   (Bellboard)  On a freezing cold Saturday, at Laura’s request, some of those  who had been instrumental in teaching her to ring gathered for her first quarter attempt, with a much deserved lunch afterwards at Burford Garden Centre. Laura started to learn at our 4 week have a go sessions  in January in Shipton, and has continued to progress by joining the ART ringing scheme, achieving her Level 3, and taking opportunities to ring at Longcot and St Aldates in Oxford. Special thanks to all for their help and encouragement.  Laura is now working towards her next quarter peal on the treble.

Well done Laura!         Picture of the band.

The Hook Norton ringers rang half muffled to commemorate all the men of their benefice who have died in war. Congratulations to Dan on conducting his first quarter peal of triples.

The practice provided the opportunity for plain hunting on seven, Bob triples and Grandsire triples. Whilst we had fifteen branch members attending we were unable to ring the method of the month Erin triples, so it was rung as doubles. In addition a course of Cambridge minor was attempted with nearly four leads being completed. The evening finished with a generally good fall in peal of the eight and a few of us retired to the local for refreshment.

Beautiful weather, excellent ringing and superb refreshments made for a really memorable afternoon. Congratulations to all who entered the competitions at Shipton under Wychwood and in particular our branch’s own Hook Norton band who won the raising and lowering event at Wiggington despite a power cut during their performance. They also took part in the  striking competition, all the bands ringing to a very high standard, a short video clip of the Hooky ringers here.

Many thanks to all the branch members whose contribution made the day such a success – Mike and Joy for all the arrangements at St Mary and making the tea and coffee – the stewards Chris Stevens and Andrew at Shipton, Geoffrey and Sue at Wiggington – Nikki and Tim for the legendary Bacon rolls – and everyone who contributed cakes. Thanks also to our Ringing Master, David for his meticulous planning so everyone knew what was required.

Robert Newton presented the ODG with a new trophy  for the raising and lowering competition, pictured below, which he awarded to the winning team, Sally pictured receiving it on behalf of the band.

To Andrew and Sallie Pickett on celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.

Nine of us met at Little Compton, in addition to the method of the month St Martin we rang Plain Bob, Grandsire and Stedman. It was a beautiful, clear evening and we stepped outside for an excellent view of the International Space Station passing overhead before ringing down. Unfortunately we were denied post ringing refreshment arriving at the local to see the lights being turned off – maybe next time.

Chipping Norton branch are looking forward to welcoming you at St Mary, Shipton under Wychwood. Refreshments will be available for a small charge, please bring cash for tea & coffee, bacon rolls and a selection of cake. Post 27-9-23

We should like to thank Les Waller for all his hard work over very many years building, maintaining and running ‘Chippy Bells’. The branch greatly appreciated the effort Les took in managing this for all of us.

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During ‘Ring for the King’ events Nina Morgan from Chadlington recorded a presentation for Witney community radio – you can listen to the broadcast here: